Best Finnish Salmiakki Recipe (2024)

I recently discovered the Finnish Salmiakki recipe, also known as the Finland Salty Licorice recipe, on a trip and decided to give it a try. This unique candy is a favorite treat in Finland, and I was excited to try my hand at making it myself.

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When I first tasted this candy, I was surprised by its strong flavor. It’s both sweet and salty, with a hint of bitterness that makes it stand out from other candies. I found it really interesting and wanted to learn more about how it’s made.

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The key ingredient in this recipe is ammonium chloride, which gives the candy its salty taste. It’s not something you find in everyday sweets, so I was eager to see how it would work in a homemade version. After learning the process and trying it out, I was amazed at how simple it was to create this tasty treat. Making the Finland Salmiakki Recipe turned out to be a fun adventure in my kitchen. I enjoyed watching the mixture transform from a liquid to a solid, and then rolling it out into thin strips. It was a hands-on experience that I found really rewarding, especially when I got to taste the finished product.

I shared the candy with my friends and family, and they were all excited to try something new. Some loved the unique flavor, while others were not sure what to think. But overall, it was a hit and a great conversation starter.

I am so glad I decided to try this Finland Salty Licorice recipe. It opened my eyes to new flavors and techniques in candy-making, and I can’t wait to continue exploring more interesting recipes from around the world. Give this recipe a try, and you might just fall in love with this one-of-a-kind Finnish treat!

The Complete Recipe with Ingredients and Step by Step Instructions Listed Below

3 Reasons People Love the Finnish Salmiakki Recipe

1. Unique Flavor Combination: One reason I love the Finland Salmiakki Recipe is the unique flavor combination it offers. The mix of sweet and salty with a hint of bitterness is different from any other candy I’ve tried before. When I tasted it for the first time, I was amazed by how these flavors worked together. The balance between the sweet and the salty is what makes this candy so special. It’s like an adventure for your taste buds, and every bite is a delightful surprise.

2. Fun Cooking Process: Another reason I enjoy making Finland Salty Licorice is the fun cooking process. It’s not often that I get to work with ingredients like ammonium chloride, so it felt like a new challenge in my kitchen. I found the process of watching the candy mixture change from liquid to solid fascinating. Plus, rolling out the candy into thin strips was a hands-on experience that made me feel like a real candy maker. It’s a great recipe for anyone who enjoys trying new techniques and learning new skills.

3. Shareable Treat: Finally, I love the Finnish Salmiakki Recipe because it creates a shareable treat that can bring people together. When I made the salty licorice, I couldn’t wait to share it with my friends and family. It was fun to see their reactions to the unique flavor, and it sparked some interesting conversations. Sharing the candy I made with others allowed me to connect with them in a new way, and it gave us all a chance to explore a different taste together.

How To Make Our Finnish Salmiakki Recipe

Ingredients (8 Servings)

1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
1 cup water (240 milliliters)
1/2 cup light corn syrup (120 milliliters)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon anise extract
1 tablespoon black food coloring
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ammonium chloride (Salmiakki powder)
2 cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)

Instructions

1. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.

2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and kosher salt. Cook over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches 260°F (127°C) on a candy thermometer.

3. Remove from heat and stir in anise extract, black food coloring, baking soda, and ammonium chloride until well combined.

4. Quickly stir in flour until well combined.

5. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

6. Let cool at room temperature until firm, about 2 hours.

7. Using the parchment overhang, lift the licorice out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.

8. Cut the licorice into 1/2-inch wide strips and then into 1/2-inch pieces.

Nutritional Information For the Finland Salmiakki Recipe

Calories: 266
Carbohydrates: 67g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 204mg
Potassium: 31mg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 42g

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Pots, Pan and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Finnish Salmiakki Recipe

Large saucepan
Candy thermometer
8-inch square baking dish
Parchment paper
Cutting board
Knife

Best Way to Store Leftovers From the Finland Salmiakki Recipe

Store the licorice in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Substitutions For the Finnish Salmiakki Recipe

Light corn syrup can be substituted with golden syrup or honey.
Anise extract can be substituted with fennel extract or star anise extract.
Black food coloring can be substituted with squid ink or activated charcoal powder.
Ammonium chloride (Salmiakki powder) can be substituted with baking powder or baking soda.

Substitutions For the Vegetarian Finland Salmiakki Recipe

Ammonium chloride (Salmiakki powder) is not vegetarian, so it would need to be omitted. Alternatively, you can use vegetarian Salmiakki powder, which is made from sodium bicarbonate instead of ammonium chloride.

Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation

Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the mixture reaches the correct temperature and consistency.
Work quickly when adding the flour to the mixture, as it will begin to harden as it cools.
Line the baking dish with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the licorice from the pan.
Use a sharp knife to cut the licorice into small pieces.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the Finland Salmiakki Recipe

Finnish rye bread
Smoked salmon
Pickled herring
Gravlax
Finnish cheese, such as Leipäjuusto (Finnish squeaky cheese)

How To Serve the Finnish Salmiakki Recipe

Serve the licorice as a sweet snack or dessert. It can also be used as a topping for ice cream or other desserts.

FAQ About the Finland Salmiakki Recipe

What is the Finnish Salmiakki recipe and how is it different from Finland Leipajuusto recipe?
Finland Salmiakki recipe is a recipe for a salty black licorice candy that is popular in Finland. On the other hand, Finland Leipajuusto recipe is a recipe for a traditional Finnish cheese that is often served with cloudberry jam.

Is the Finnish Salmiakki recipe difficult to make?
The Finland Salmiakki recipe can be a bit challenging to make, especially for those who are new to candy-making. However, following the recipe carefully and using a candy thermometer can help ensure success.

What is the history behind the Finnish Salmiakki recipe?
Salmiakki, which is the key ingredient in Finland Salmiakki recipe, has been used in Finland for centuries as a natural remedy for various health issues. The use of Salmiakki in candy-making became popular in the early 20th century, and Finland has since become known for its unique and flavorful licorice candies.

Can I substitute Salmiakki in the Finnish Salmiakki recipe with anything else?
While it may be difficult to find Salmiakki outside of Finland, it is a key ingredient in the Finland Salmiakki recipe and cannot be substituted. However, some recipes use other forms of licorice or anise extract as a substitute.

How should Finland Salmiakki candy be stored?
Finland Salmiakki candy should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. It can be stored for up to several weeks.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, making the Finnish Salmiakki Recipe or Finland Salty Licorice recipe was an unforgettable experience that expanded my cooking skills and introduced me to a unique and delicious treat. As a food enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try, and this one certainly did not disappoint.

The whole process of making the salty licorice was enjoyable, from learning about the uncommon ingredients to getting my hands dirty while rolling out the candy. It was fascinating to see how the ingredients came together to create the distinct flavor and texture that sets this candy apart from others.

One thing I truly appreciate about this recipe is that it allowed me to share something new and exciting with the people around me. Seeing their reactions to the flavor and discussing the candy-making process was a joy, and it created lasting memories that we can all look back on.

If you’re someone who loves exploring new tastes and trying out unique recipes, I highly recommend giving the Finland Salmiakki Recipe a go. It’s a fun, rewarding, and delicious adventure that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on both you and those you share it with. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new – you might just discover your new favorite treat!